Refrigerator Drawer Power Connection With Sealed Plug-In Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of a power supply structure for drawer-type storage units in refrigerators is complicated by the need for cable connections, and there is a challenge in sealing this structure due to the humid environment within the refrigerator.
Innovation Solution
A power supply unit and connection unit are designed to be coupled during the installation of the storage unit, where the connection unit is inserted into an accommodating portion of the power supply unit, allowing for simultaneous electrical connection and improved sealing through flexible materials and elastic members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cable-based power supply structure is used for drawer-type storage units, then electrical connection can be established, but the assembly process becomes complicated and sealing is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply structure is divided into two separate units: a power supply unit fixed to the refrigerator main body and a connection unit attached to the drawer-type storage unit. This segmentation allows each unit to be independently assembled and installed, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining reliable electrical connection through the coupling of these modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection unit is designed to be inserted into an accommodating portion of the power supply unit, creating a nested structure where one component fits within another. This nesting approach enables compact integration of the power supply structure, simplifies assembly through a single insertion motion, and provides effective sealing by enclosing the electrical connection interface.
2Reliability
If a cable-based power supply structure is used for drawer-type storage units, then electrical connection can be established, but sealing against humid air becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection unit is inserted into an accommodating portion of the power supply unit, creating a nested configuration that encloses the electrical connection interface. This nested structure naturally provides sealing by containing the connection terminals within the power supply unit's housing, preventing humid air from the refrigerator interior from reaching the electrical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply unit includes a sealing member that flexibly seals the accommodating portion where the connection unit is inserted. This flexible sealing element adapts to the connection unit's presence and creates an effective barrier against humid air, protecting the electrical connection while accommodating the movable nature of the drawer-type storage unit.
3Reliability
If separate power connection and storage unit installation are performed, then electrical connection can be ensured, but user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply structure combines the electrical connection function with the storage unit installation process. As the drawer-type storage unit is installed and moved to its designated position, the connection unit automatically couples with the power supply unit, establishing electrical connection simultaneously with installation. This merging of functions eliminates separate connection steps and improves user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply unit and connection unit are pre-configured with complementary structures (accommodating portion and insertion features) that enable automatic coupling during installation. This preliminary design of the coupling mechanism ensures that electrical connection occurs naturally as part of the installation process, without requiring additional user actions or separate connection steps.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a refrigerator including a refrigerator main body having an opening, a door connected to the refrigerator main body and configured to open and close the opening, a storage unit configured to be moved toward a rear wall within the refrigerator main body so as to be installed in the refrigerator main body, the rear wall facing the opening, a power supply unit mounted at the rear wall and having an accommodating portion formed to face the opening, and a connection unit mounted at the storage unit, wherein when the storage unit is moved to the rear wall and installed in the refrigerator main body, at least part of the connection unit is inserted into the accommodating portion so as to be electrically connected to the power supply unit.